Folding Chair Cot for Use with Emergency Vehicles

ABSTRACT

A collapsible emergency vehicle chair cot that includes a support system and a movement system is described. The movement system is coupled to the support system and utilizes rotational movement to assist in moving the chair cot over a surface. The support system and movement system are configured to be collapsible to facilitate using the chair cot with an emergency vehicle. The chair cot may include at least two removable platforms for supporting a patient in a seated position. Furthermore, the chair cot may include one or more options for transporting equipment, including an equipment transport basket that may take the place of the removable platforms.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/734,229, filed Apr. 11, 2007, whichclaims priority to and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/062,646, filed Feb. 22, 2005, entitled FoldingChair Cot for Use with Emergency Vehicles, and naming Nathan R.Walkingshaw as the inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cot, and in particular to acollapsible emergency vehicle chair cot including a support system and amovement system.

2. Background

Cots are used to transport incapacitated or injured individuals from onelocation to another. For example, EMTs typically transport emergencymedical patients from one location into their ambulances using cots.Early cots merely consisted of cloth stretched between two poles. Apatient was positioned on the cloth and two emergency workers carriedeither end of the poles, thereby supporting the patient. The primaryproblem with this design is that it requires two emergency workers touse both of their hands to transport their patient. This is problematicbecause emergency workers typically carry equipment and may need toperform tasks on the patients while being transported. Later, wheelswere added to rigid cots to make gurneys which are easier for emergencyworkers to move patients from a particular location into an emergencyvehicle. These added wheels allowed patients to easily be wheeled acrossflat surfaces to an emergency vehicle. The added wheels are alsoconfigured to collapse such that the cot could be properly fitted intoan emergency vehicle and serve as a bed during transportation to ahospital. Additional wheels were eventually added to the loading end ofcots in order to minimize friction and facilitate wheeling the cot intoan emergency vehicle.

While these wheeled gurney embodiments provide significant advantagesover the traditional cloth-type cots, there are still significantproblems. For example, if the patient must be transported over unevensurfaces such as stairs, curbs, or inclines, the conventional wheeledgurney will still require at least two emergency workers to properlytransport the patient. In addition, on steep and irregular inclines, itis very difficult to support and stabilize the uphill side of thewheeled cot because it will be disposed very close to the ground.Further, certain uneven surfaces may cause the cot to bounce or shiftresulting in additional pain and possibly injury to the patient.Therefore, for at least these reasons there is a need in the industryfor an improved cot.

In addition, traditional cots are limited in the manner in which theycan be used. Typically, such cots are limited in that they are onlydesigned for the transport of individuals, and are not readily adaptedfor other uses.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a collapsible emergencyvehicle chair cot that includes a support system and a movement system.The support system is disposed on the bottom of the cot to support thechair cot during transportation. For example, one embodiment of asupport system includes a track that extends from the bottom of thechair cot. The track supports the chair cot thereby minimizing the needfor an emergency worker to manually support the chair cot duringtransportation. The movement system is coupled to the support system andutilizes rotational movement to assist in moving the chair cot over asurface. For example, one embodiment of a movement system includescoupling a motor system and a brake system to the support system toprovide motorized movement. The support system and movement system areconfigured to be collapsible to facilitate using the chair cot with anemergency vehicle. The chair cot further includes at least two platformsfor supporting a patient in a seated position.

In some embodiments, the chair cot may include alternative supportelements or platforms for supporting and transporting items other than apatient, such as equipment. For example, a chair cot may be used totransport any type of equipment, such as up or down one or more flightsof stairs. In some instances, a chair cot with alternative supportelements may be used to transport equipment in relatively closeproximity to another chair cot supporting a patient. In this way,multiple chair cots may be used, such as to maintain critical careequipment in close proximity to a transported patient at all timesduring transportation.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will beset forth or will become more fully apparent in the description thatfollows and in the appended claims. The features and advantages may berealized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinationsparticularly pointed out in the appended claims. Furthermore, thefeatures and advantages of the invention may be learned by the practiceof the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the presentinvention and are a part of the specification. The illustratedembodiments are merely examples of the present invention and do notlimit the scope of the invention. The objects and features of thepresent invention will become more fully apparent from the followingdescription and appended claims, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict onlytypical embodiments of the invention and are, therefore, not to beconsidered limiting of its scope, the invention will be described andexplained with additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a profile view of a chair cot in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is a detailed view of the control system illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1C is a detailed view of the collapsing mechanism attached to thearm rest illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 1D is a front view of the chair cot illustrated in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a profile view of an alternative embodiment of an expandedchair cot in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2B is a profile view of the chair cot illustrated in FIG. 2A in acollapsed configuration;

FIG. 2C is a front view of the expanded chair cot illustrated in FIG.2A;

FIG. 2D is a perspective view of the expanded chair cot illustrated inFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of anexpanded chair cot in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a profile view of the expanded chair cot illustrated in FIG.3A;

FIG. 3C is profile view of the chair cot illustrated in FIG. 3A in acollapsed configuration;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a chair cotin a collapsed position;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the chair cot illustrated in FIG. 4 inan expanded position;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the chair cot illustrated in FIG. 4 inan expanded position;

FIG. 7 is a detailed perspective view of a hydraulic release elementfrom the chair cot illustrated in FIG. 4;

FIGS. 8A-8E are plan and perspective views of an embodiment of acontinuous track for use with embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an equipment carrierattached to an embodiment of a support system of an illustrative chaircot;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an equipment carrierattached to an embodiment of a support system of an illustrative chaircot;

FIG. 11 is a side view of an embodiment of an equipment carrier attachedto an embodiment of a support system of an illustrative chair cot;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an equipment carriershown in conjunction with an illustrative chair cot;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an equipment carriershown in conjunction with an illustrative chair cot; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an equipment carriershown in conjunction with an illustrative chair cot.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings to describe embodiments ofthe invention. It is to be understood that the drawings are diagrammaticand schematic representations of the embodiments, and are not limitingof the present invention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to collapsible emergencyvehicle chair cots that include a support system and a movement system.The support system may be a retractable system disposed on the bottom ofthe cot to support the chair cot during transportation. For example, oneembodiment of a support system includes a track that extends from thebottom of the chair cot. The track supports the chair cot therebyminimizing the need for an emergency worker to manually support thechair cot during transportation. The movement system is coupled to thesupport system and utilizes rotational movement to assist in moving thechair cot over a surface. For example, one embodiment of a movementsystem includes coupling a motor system and a brake system to thesupport system to provide motorized movement. The support system andmovement system are configured to be collapsible to facilitate using thechair cot with an emergency vehicle. In some embodiments, the chair cotfurther includes at least two platforms for supporting a patient in aseated position. Also, while embodiments of the present invention aredirected to emergency vehicle chair cots, it will be appreciated thatthe teachings of the present invention are applicable to other fields.

For example, in some embodiments, the chair cot may include alternativesupport elements or platforms for supporting and transporting itemsother than a patient, such as equipment. Embodiments of chair cots maybe used to transport any type of equipment, such as up or down one ormore flights of stairs. In some instances, a chair cot with alternativesupport elements may be used to transport equipment in relatively closeproximity to another chair cot supporting a patient. In this way,multiple chair cots may be used, such as to maintain critical careequipment in close proximity to a transported patient at all timesduring transportation.

The following terms are defined as follows:

“chair cot”—a device for transporting an individual in a sittingposition from one location to an emergency vehicle. A chair cot may beconfigured to interface with a gurney for use in a hospital.

“gurney”—a wheelable bed device used in hospitals and other facilitiesto easily transport patients over flat surfaces.

“emergency vehicle”—any vehicle used to transport incapacitatedindividuals from one location to another including but not limited toambulances, fire truck/engine, elderly car vehicles, helicopter, etc.

“patient”—any person or animal being carried by a cot, including but notlimited to individuals and animals that are sick, elderly, injured,deceased, etc.

“emergency worker”—any individual who is responsible for moving anincapacitated individual from one location to an emergency vehicle,including but not limited to EMTs, firemen, ambulance drivers, doctors,paramedics, nurses, search and rescue, ski patrol, etc.

Reference is initially made to FIGS. 1A-1D, which illustrate variousviews of a chair cot in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention. The embodiment of the chair cot is designated generally at100. The chair cot 100 is configured to expand and collapse into twoprimary configurations. In the expanded configuration (FIGS. 1A and 1D),a patient is able to be transported in a sitting position from onelocation to an emergency vehicle. In the collapsed configuration (notshown), the chair cot 100 can easily be stored in an emergency vehicle.The chair cot can be operated by a single emergency worker allowing asecond emergency worker to perform medical functions on the patient. Thechair cot 100 generally includes two control systems 150, a back support110, an arm rest 105, a seat 115, a foot rest 120, and a support andmovement system 200. These components operate together to provide thefunctionality of the chair cot 100.

The control systems 150 enable an emergency worker to operate the chaircot 100. This operation includes pushing, guiding, steering, anddirecting the chair cot 100 in the desired directions. In addition, thecontrol system 150 is configured to control the movement of the chaircot 100 through the use of a braking system. This allows an operator toslow the descent of the chair cot 100 down a decline. An identicalindependent control system 150 is located on either side of the chaircot 100, for explanation purposes only one system will be described. Thecontrol system 150 further includes a handle 156, a brake attachment158, a brake lever 162, a pivotable arm 152, a pivot bolt 160, and apivot bracket 154. The handle 156, brake attachment 158, and brake lever162 are all disposed on the pivotable arm 152 to allow for customizationof the control system 150. For example, in some situations an emergencyworker may wish to push the chair cot 100 up an incline and a loweredpivot arm 152 is preferable. Likewise, when transferring the chair cot100 over a level surface, a substantially level pivot arm 152 may beoptimal. The pivoting also allows the chair cot 100 to collapse. Thepivot arm 152 also includes a pivot bolt 160 that extends through a holein the pivot bracket 154. This allows the pivot arm 152 to pivot withrespect to the pivot bracket 154. A locking pin and hole mechanism isalso disposed on the pivot arm 152 and pivot bracket 154 to facilitatelocking the pivot arm 152 in a particular configuration. The brake lever162 is part of a braking system that is configured to slow and stop therotational movement of the support and movement system 200.

The back support 110 is pivotally coupled to the control system 150, thearm rest 105, and the seat 115. This pivotable coupling allows for thechair cot 100 to be collapsed. Various pivoting systems may be used andremain consistent with the present invention. The back support 110 isconfigured to be positioned in a manner to provide support for apatient's back during transportation in a seated position. Likewise, thearm rest 105 is configured to provide support for a patient's armsduring transportation and the seat is configured to provide lowersupport for a patient during transportation. A foot rest 120 is alsopivotally coupled to the seat 115 to provide additional patienttransportation configurations. The back support 110, arm rest 105, andseat 115 can be adjusted to various angles with respect to one anotherto create various seating configurations. FIG. 1C illustrates a pivotingmechanism between the back support 110 and the arm rest 105. The armrest 105 is coupled to a pivot arm 107 that includes a pivot bolt 109.The pivot arm 107 is configured to rotate or pivot with respect to thepivot bolt 109. The pivot bolt 109 is also coupled to the pivot bracket112 which is coupled to the back support 110. A locking pin and holesystem is also utilized to releasably lock the pivot arm 107 in aparticular configuration with respect to the pivot bracket 112. Thepivot bracket 112 is coupled to the back support 110 as shown.

The support and movement system 200 includes a support system thatprovides support for the chair cot 100 and a movement system that allowsthe chair cot 100 to utilize rotational movement during transportation.The illustrated support and movement system 200 includes a V-shapedsupport bracket 205 coupled to a dual track 210. The dual track 210 actslike an elongated wheel to allow the chair cot 100 to translateutilizing rotational movement and support. The dual track 210incorporates a ribbed track to facilitate ascending and descendingstepped and irregular surfaces. The dual track 210 is configured topivot or rotate with respect to the V-shaped bracket 205 to facilitatetranslation over irregular surfaces.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 2A-2D, which illustrate various views ofan alternative embodiment of a chair cot in accordance with the presentinvention. The embodiment of the chair cot is designated generally at300. The chair cot 300 is configured to expand and collapse into twoprimary configurations. In the expanded configuration (FIGS. 2A, 2C, and2D), a patient is able to be transported in a sitting position from onelocation to an emergency vehicle. In the collapsed configuration (FIG.2B), the chair cot 300 can easily be stored in an emergency vehicle. Thechair cot can be operated by a single emergency worker allowing a secondemergency worker to perform medical functions on the patient. The chaircot 300 generally includes two control systems 350, a back support 310,a seat 315, a foot rest 320, and a support and movement system 400.These components operate together to provide the functionality of thechair cot 400.

The control systems 350 enable an emergency worker to operate the chaircot 300. This operation includes pushing, guiding, steering, anddirecting the chair cot 300 in the desired directions. An identicalindependent control system 350 is located on either side of the chaircot 300, for explanation purposes only one system will be described. Thecontrol system 350 further includes a handle 356 and a pivotable arm352. The handle 156 is disposed on the pivotable arm 352 to allow forcustomization of the control system 350. For example, in some situationsan emergency worker may wish to push the chair cot 300 up an incline anda lowered pivot arm 352 is preferable. Likewise, when transferring thechair cot 300 over a level surface, a substantially level pivot arm 352may be optimal. The pivoting functionality also allows for the chair cot300 to collapse as shown in FIG. 2B. The pivot arm 352 includes a pivotbolt that extends through a hole in the back support 310. This allowsthe pivot arm 352 to pivot with respect to the back support 310. Alocking pin and hole mechanism is also disposed on the pivot arm 352 andback support 310 to facilitate locking the pivot arm 352 in a particularconfiguration.

The back support 310 is pivotally coupled to the control system 350 andthe seat 315. This pivotable coupling allows for the chair cot 300 to becollapsed. Various pivoting systems may be used and remain consistentwith the present invention. The back support 310 is configured to bepositioned in a manner to provide support for a patient's back duringtransportation in a seated position. Likewise, the seat is configured toprovide lower support for a patient during transportation. A foot rest320 is also pivotally coupled to the seat 315 to provide additionaltransportation configurations and foot support. In the illustratedembodiment, the foot rest 320 further includes a pivot bar 319 and asecond handle 322. The pivot bar 319 provides additional support andstability to the foot rest 320. The second handle 322 is useful intransporting the chair cot 300 in the collapsed configuration, as shownin FIG. 2B. The back support 310, seat 315, and foot rest 320 can beadjusted to various angles with respect to one another to create variousseating configurations. The seat 315 further includes a pivot arm 317that utilizes a pivot bolt, pivot bracket, lock and pin type pivotingmechanism as described above.

The support and movement system 400 includes a support system thatprovides support for the chair cot 300 and a movement system that allowsthe chair cot 300 to utilize rotational movement during transportation.The illustrated support and movement system 400 includes a two supportmembers 330, a support bar 325, a two track attachments 405, and twotracks 410. The support members 330 extend down from the back support310 and are coupled to the track attachments 405. The support bar 325extends between the support members 330 to provide lateral support andstability. The track attachments 405 are coupled to the tracks 410 in amanner to facilitate the rotational freedom of the tracks 410. Thetracks 410 act like elongated wheels to allow the chair cot 300 totranslate utilizing rotational movement and support. The tracks 410 eachincorporate a ribbed track to facilitate ascending and descendingstepped and irregular surfaces. The tracks 410 are configured to pivotor rotate with respect to the support members 330 to facilitatetranslation over irregular surfaces.

Reference is next made to FIGS. 3A-3C, which illustrate various views ofan alternative embodiment of a chair cot in accordance with the presentinvention. The embodiment of the chair cot is designated generally at500. The chair cot 500 is configured to expand and collapse into twoprimary configurations. In the expanded configuration (FIGS. 3A and 3B),a patient is able to be transported in a sitting position from onelocation to an emergency vehicle. In the collapsed configuration (FIG.3C), the chair cot 500 can easily be stored in an emergency vehicle. Thechair cot 500 can be operated by a single emergency worker allowing asecond emergency worker to perform medical functions on the patient. Thechair cot 500 generally includes two control systems 550, a back support510, a seat 515, a foot rest 520, and a support and movement system 600.These components operate together to provide the functionality of thechair cot 500.

The control systems 550 enable an emergency worker to operate the chaircot 500. This operation includes pushing, guiding, steering, anddirecting the chair cot 500 in the desired directions. An identicalindependent control system 550 is located on either side of the chaircot 500, for explanation purposes only one system will be described. Thecontrol system 550 further includes a handle 556 and a pivotable arm552. The handle 556 is disposed on the pivotable arm 552 to allow forcustomization of the control system 550. For example, in some situationsan emergency worker may wish to push the chair cot 500 up an incline anda lowered pivot arm 552 is preferable. Likewise, when transferring thechair cot 500 over a level surface, a substantially level pivot arm 552may be optimal. The pivoting functionality also allows for the chair cot500 to collapse as shown in FIG. 3C. The pivot arm 552 includes a pivotbolt that extends through a hole in the back support 510. This allowsthe pivot arm 552 to pivot with respect to the back support 510. Alocking pin and hole mechanism is also disposed on the pivot arm 552 andback support 510 to facilitate locking the pivot arm 552 in a particularconfiguration.

The back support 510 is pivotally coupled to the control system 550 andthe seat 515. This pivotable coupling allows for the chair cot 500 to becollapsed. Various pivoting systems may be used and remain consistentwith the present invention. The back support 510 is configured to bepositioned in a manner to provide support for a patient's back duringtransportation in a seated position. Likewise, the seat is configured toprovide lower support for a patient during transportation. A foot rest520 is also pivotally coupled to the seat 515 to provide additionaltransportation configurations and foot support. In the illustratedembodiment, the foot rest 520 further includes a pivot bar 519 and asecond handle 522. The pivot bar 519 provides additional support andstability to the foot rest 520. The second handle 522 is useful intransporting the chair cot 500 in the collapsed configuration, as shownin FIG. 3C. The back support 510, seat 515, and foot rest 520 can beadjusted to various angles with respect to one another to create variousseating configurations. The seat 515 further includes a pivot arm 517that utilizes a pivot bolt, pivot bracket, lock and pin type pivotingmechanism as described above.

The support and movement system 600 includes a support system thatprovides support for the chair cot 500 and a movement system that allowsthe chair cot 500 to utilize rotational movement during transportation.The illustrated support and movement system 600 includes a two supportmembers 530, a support bar 525, a two track attachments 605, and twotracks 610. The support members 530 extend down from the back support510 and are coupled to the track attachments 605. The support bar 525extends between the support members 530 to provide lateral support andstability. The track attachments 605 are coupled to the tracks 610 in amanner to facilitate the rotational freedom of the tracks 610. Thetracks 610 act like elongated wheels to allow the chair cot 500 totranslate utilizing rotational movement and support. The tracks 610 eachincorporate a ribbed track to facilitate ascending and descendingstepped and irregular surfaces. The tracks 610 are configured to pivotor rotate with respect to the support members 530 to facilitatetranslation over irregular surfaces.

The movement systems of each embodiment may further include a motor torotate the tracks without external force. The motor may be an electricmotor coupled to some form of rechargeable and/or replaceable powersource, or it may be an electric motor coupled to some form of AC power,such as being plugged in to a wall outlet. The control systems of eachembodiment may further include various motor controls to facilitatemovement. The movement system must still conform to the dimensions ofthe chair cot embodiments such that it can be properly collapsed fortransportation. When the movement systems include a motor, the controlsystem may include a forward and reverse mechanism that allows themovement system to move forward and reverse respectively. Furthermore,the movement system may be designed to lock in the event that power islost. Additionally, in some embodiments where the movement systemincludes a motor, a motorized portion of the movement system may bedisengaged thereby allowing for descent and/or ascent of aninclined/declined surface utilizing non-motorized rotational movement.

In operation, a chair cot in accordance with the present invention maybe transported in a collapsed configuration to a patient in need ofemergency services. The chair cot may then be expanded into the expandedconfiguration by locking various pivoting members into place.Adjustments to the pivotable angles may be made depending on the sizeand medical condition of the patient. The patient is then positioned ina seated position on the chair cot. The chair cot then utilizesrotational movement to transfer the patient to an emergency vehicle. Thechair cot is then collapsed for storage within the emergency vehicle.

FIGS. 4-7 show perspective views of an alternate embodiment of a chaircot in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Theillustrated embodiment of the chair cot is designated generally at 700.The illustrated embodiment of the chair cot 700 is capable of a largenumber of positions in between a fully-expanded configuration and afully-collapsed configuration. The fully-collapsed configuration isshown in FIG. 4. As generally illustrated in FIG. 4, the chair cot 700may include one or more control systems (not shown), a back support 702,a seat 704, a foot rest 706, and a support and movement system 708.These components operate together to provide functionality to the chaircot 700. In the fully-collapsed configuration shown in FIG. 4, the chaircot 700 can easily be stored in an emergency vehicle. In any expandedconfiguration, a patient is able to be transported in a comfortableposition from one location to another location such as an emergencyvehicle. The chair cot 700 may easily be operated by a single emergencyworker.

The control system(s) (not shown) enable an emergency worker to operatethe chair cot 700. This may include pushing, guiding, steering, anddirecting the chair cot 700 in the desired directions on relatively flatterrain. In addition, the control system(s) may be configured to allowthe emergency worker to control the movement of the chair cot 700through the use of a braking system and through a powered track system.The control system(s) may be provided on a handle 710 of the chair cot700 and/or may be provided on the back support 702, on the seat 704, onthe support and movement system 708, and/or may be provided as aseparate tethered or wireless control unit. In addition, one or morepower supplies (e.g. battery packs) may be provided on the handle 710,back support 702, seat 704, support and movement system 708, etc.

The back support 702 may be pivotally coupled to the support andmovement system 708 at a pivot joint 712 connected to the support andmovement system 708. The pivot joint 712 may allow the back support 702to pivot through any position between the fully-collapsed position andthe fully-expanded position, and may allow the back support 702 to bepositioned independently of the seat 704 and foot rest 706. As may beseen more clearly in FIG. 6, the back support 702 includes a back frame714 pivotally coupled to the pivot joint 712 to which the handle 710 iscoupled. In some embodiments, the back frame 714 and handle 710 may beprovided with an adjustable connection, such as a telescoping and/or apivoting connection to allow adjustment of the handle 710 relative tothe back frame 714.

As may also be appreciated more fully by reference to FIG. 6, the backsupport 702 may also include a cross brace 716 passing through the backframe 714 at a location distal the connection of the back frame 714 tothe pivot joint 712. A bracket 718 may be attached to the cross brace,and a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 720 may be attached to the bracket718 and to the support and movement system 708. The pneumatic orhydraulic cylinder 720 may be controlled by the control system(s)discussed above, or it may be controlled separately, such as by acontrol bar 722 attached to the bracket 718 and the back frame 714 so asto be easily reached by an emergency worker transporting a patient. Thisconfiguration allows the back support 702 to be positioned in anyposition between the fully-collapsed configuration and thefully-expanded configuration according to the transport needs andcomfort of the patient being transported, as well as the storage needsof the chair cot 700 and the emergency worker and/or emergency vehicle.

FIG. 7 shows a detailed perspective view of one embodiment of theconnection between the bracket 718, the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder720, and the control bar 722, to illustrate one way in which the controlbar 722 may function to control the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 720to adjust the position of the back support 702. In the illustratedembodiment, the control bar 722 may actuate the pneumatic or hydrauliccylinder 720 by a lateral movement (a movement in either direction alongthe long axis of the control bar 722). In the illustrated embodiment, abolt 724 connects the bracket 718 to the cross brace (not shown in FIG.7). The bracket 718 is connected to the control bar 722 with rocker arms726 that translate the lateral movement of the control bar 722 into apressing of a release mechanism 728 on the pneumatic or hydrauliccylinder 720. When the release mechanism 728 is pressed, the pneumaticor hydraulic cylinder 720 is allowed to move so as to position the backsupport 702 into a desired position. Then, when the control bar 722 isreturned to its normal position and the release mechanism 728 is nolonger pressed, the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 720 locks in placeagain to hold the back support 702 in the desired position.

As may be seen by reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the seat 704 may also beprovided with a pivot joint connection to the support and movementsystem 708 as well as a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder 730, a bracket732 and a control bar 734 similar to the hydraulic cylinder 720 andcontrol bar 722 provided for the back support 702. In this manner, theseat 704 may also be positioned at any position between afully-collapsed configuration and a fully-expanded configuration. Insome embodiments, for simplicity, the seat 704 and the back support 702may utilize the same pivot joint location, namely the location of pivotjoint 712.

The described combination of adjustability provides for improved patientsupport and comfort for a wide variety of patient needs, as well astransportation situations, such as various inclined surfaces, as will bediscussed further below. Other embodiments of the brackets 718 and 732and control bars 722 and 734, including embodiments that allow releaseof the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders 720 and 730 with up and down orwith any-directional movement of the control bars 722 and 734 areembraced by the various embodiments of the invention. Additionally,embodiments in which the pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders 720 and 730are controlled by a powered system using the control system(s) (notshown) are also embraced by the invention. Therefore, the discussedembodiments are meant to be illustrative and not limiting.

In some embodiments, the seat 704 may include a seat frame 736, as maybe seen in FIG. 5. The foot rest 706 may be connected to the seat frame736 by a linkage 738. In some embodiments, the linkage 738 may be apassive linkage so that the foot rest 706 naturally rests in one of twoconfigurations, a fully-folded configuration seen in FIG. 4, and afully-expanded configuration seen in FIG. 5. In instances where the seat704 has not been moved to an expanded-enough position to allow the footrest 706 to assume the fully-expanded configuration seen in FIG. 5, thefoot rest 706 may naturally rest in as expanded a configuration aspossible, with the foot rest 706 resting on a portion of the support andmovement system 708. As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the foot rest 706 mayhave a roughly U-shaped configuration, and the patient's feet maynaturally rest at the bottom of the U-shaped configuration duringtransport. During storage of the chair cot 700, the foot rest 706readily folds up in a compact fashion as shown in FIG. 4.

In some embodiments, depending on the size of the patient and/or theangle of adjustment of the seat 704 and back support 702, it may beadvantageous to provide a separate place to support the feet of thepatient being transported other than the foot rest 706. Therefore, insome embodiments, the support and movement system 708 may be providedwith additional foot support structures (not shown) in locationsconvenient for supporting the patients' feet. In some embodiments, theadditional foot support structures may be detachable structures and, inother embodiments, the additional foot support structures may be fixedlyattached to the support and movement system 708. One of skill in the artmay readily appreciate the possible locations of the additional footsupport structures, and will also recognize that the additional footsupport structures should adequately shield patients' feet from anymoving parts during transport.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 4, the chair cot 700 may be readilyadapted for use as a spinal immobilization and transport device. As maybe appreciated by reference to FIG. 4, when the chair cot 700 is fullyfolded, the foot rest 706 and the back frame 714 of the back support 702may provide a substantially coplanar surface that may be utilized toprovide a spinal immobilization support surface. In some embodiments,the handle 710 may be used and extended to further extend the coplanarsurface supporting the immobilization surface. In this configuration, aseparate, unitary rigid spinal immobilization surface (not shown) may beplaced over and secured to the chair cot 700, and a patient may beimmobilized for motorized or non-motorized transportation overhorizontal and inclined/declined surfaces using straps (not shown)secured to the back frame 714, to the seat frame 736, the foot rest 706,and/or the support and movement system 708. In this way, the chair cot700 may be used for at least three purposes, namely as a patienttransport device with the patient transported in a sitting position, asa spinal immobilization and transport device with the patienttransported in a reclined position, and as a inclined surface/stairascending/descending device.

As discussed above, the back support 702 and the seat 704 may includethe back frame 714 and the seat frame 736. Each of the back frame 714,the seat frame 736, the handle 710 and the foot rest 706 may bemanufactured from extruded aluminum to keep the weight of the chair cot700 low while providing a strong chair cot 700 capable of supporting awide range of patient weights. In other embodiments, some or all ofthese components may be manufactured from other materials such astubular steel. Any combination of these materials and other materialsmay also be used. Any material that provides for the features discussedherein is embraced by the various embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 4-6 show an additional feature of the chair cot 700 that may behighly beneficial to emergency workers. Regulations affecting emergencyworkers generally provide that the emergency workers must providepatients to be transported with a clean surface for transport. Thisoften requires a great deal of work for emergency workers aftertransporting a patient, as the emergency workers must wipe down andsanitize any surfaces with which the transported patient came incontact. This may be particularly onerous in cases where bodily fluidshave come in contact with patient transport surfaces. It hashistorically been difficult for emergency transport companies to easilybill for the time the emergency workers spend cleaning patient transportsurfaces and equipment. These problems are addressed by the embodimentof the invention shown in FIGS. 4-6.

In the illustrated embodiment, the back support 702 and seat 704 areprovided with a disposable back surface 740 and a disposable seatsurface 742, respectively. In other embodiments, fixed, reusablesurfaces may also be used. The disposable back surface 740 and thedisposable seat surface 742 may be disposed after each use, and maytherefore be charged to transported patients and/or their insurancecompanies as consumables/billables. As the disposable back surface 740and disposable seat surface 742 are disposable, they may be made fromany relatively inexpensive and sturdy material, such as plastics, withrepresentative examples being corrugated or non-corrugatedpolypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and various kindsof polyethylene: ultra high molecular weight (UHMW) polyethylene, highdensity polyethylene (HDPE), and low density polyethylene (LDPE). Whenthey are made from a material such as polypropylene, they may readily becustomized for the particular emergency transport company with wordsand/or logos, such as by screen printing.

The disposable back surface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742 maybe releasably but securely engaged to the back frame 714 and seat frame736 during use. This may be provided in any number of manners or meansfor securing the disposable back surface 740 and the disposable seatsurface 742 to the chair cot 700, such as by snaps, straps,hook-and-loop fasteners, etc., but in the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 4-6, the engagement is provided by indexing pins 744, indexingreceptacles 746, and magnets 747. In the illustrated embodiment, theindexing pins 744 are fixedly attached to or through the disposable backsurface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742 and extend into thecorresponding indexing receptacles 746 in the back frame 714 and seatframe 736. This prevents unwanted lateral movement of the disposableback surface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742 during use.

To secure the disposable back surface 740 and the disposable seatsurface 742 to the back frame 714 and the seat frame 736 so that thedisposable back surface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742 do notlift off and disengage the indexing pins 744 from the indexingreceptacles 746, the disposable back surface 740 and the disposable seatsurface 742 may be provided with magnets (FIG. 6). The magnets may beeither provided in the disposable back surface 740 and the disposableseat surface 742 and directly attracted to the back frame 714 and theseat frame 736 (when the back frame 714 and the seat frame 736 are madeof ferromagnetic materials) or may be attracted to corresponding magnets747 attached to or manufactured into the back frame 714 and the seatframe 736. Alternatively, inserts made from a magnetically-attractablematerial such as magnets (not shown), iron, steel, or otherferromagnetic materials may be manufactured into the disposable backsurface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742. In some embodiments,the inserts may be manufactured into the disposable back surface 740 andthe disposable seat surface 742 so as to not be externally visible andto reduce the number of external surfaces needed to be sterilized.

In the illustrated embodiment, the indexing pins 744 are located on thedisposable seat surface 742 and the disposable back surface 740 and theindexing receptacles 746 are located on the back frame 714 and the seatframe 736. However, in other embodiments, the indexing pins 744 may belocated on the back frame 714 and the seat frame 736, and the indexingreceptacles 746 may be located on the disposable seat surface 742 andthe disposable back surface 740. This may reduce manufacturing costs, asthe indexing receptacles may be manufactured into the disposable backsurface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742 as simple holes, with orwithout reinforcements such as grommets.

Also shown in the illustrated embodiment, the magnets 747 are locatedproximal the indexing pins 744 and the indexing receptacles 746 so as tobetter secure the disposable back surface 740 and the disposable seatsurface 742 to the back frame 714 and to the seat frame 736 against anyflexing that might occur during use of the chair cot 700. Although notspecifically shown in the illustrated embodiment, the disposable backsurface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742 may be manufactured soas to be sterilized and reusable. In embodiments where a corrugatedmaterial is used, the disposable back surface 740 and the disposableseat surface 742 may be made reusable by providing an edge trim (notshown) that prevents bodily fluids and other liquids or pathogens fromentering the fluting of the corrugated material where it is moredifficult to clean. Therefore, in such embodiments, the disposable backsurface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742 may be reused a limitedor unlimited number of times until it is determined that cleaning is nolonger sufficiently effective or desired.

As may be appreciated from the above discussion, when the chair cot 700is used as a spinal immobilization and transport device, the indexingpins 744, the indexing receptacles 746, and the magnets 747 may be usedto secure the removable spinal immobilization surface discussed above.As may be further appreciated, the spinal immobilization surface maytherefore be a disposable spinal immobilization surface. In all suchembodiments, the disposable back surface 740 may be removed before thespinal immobilization surface, whether disposable or not, is attached.Also, in such embodiments, the foot rest 706 may also be provided withindexing pins 744 or indexing receptacles 746 and magnets 747 (or anyother attachment means, as discussed above) to better secure the spinalimmobilization surface to the chair cot 700. As may be appreciated, thedisposable seat surface 742 may be removed or may remain in place, as itdoes not interfere with placement of the spinal immobilization surface.As may also be appreciated given the purpose of the spinalimmobilization surface, the spinal immobilization surface, whetherdisposable or not, may be manufactured of a stronger and stiffermaterial (i.e. thicker material) in some embodiments to ensure fullspinal immobilization.

Using the disposable back surface 740 and the disposable seat surface742 (and the disposable spinal immobilization surface) of the presentinvention, an emergency worker need not wipe down and sanitize thedisposable back surface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742 of thechair cot 700 after each patient, but need merely remove and discard thedisposable back surface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742. Theemergency transportation company then can bill the disposable backsurface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742 as a billable/consumableas part of its billing services. This provides a convenience and serviceto the emergency worker and the emergency transportation company. One ofskill in the art will readily recognize the variety of uses to whichsuch disposable surfaces can be put.

Disposable surfaces of the type described are not limited to use withchair cots such as described herein, but may be advantageously used forother medical uses and medical equipment, such as for gurneys, cots, orany other use where a disposable surface that can be replaced and billedas a consumable is desirable. For all such uses, it may be desirablethat the disposable surface include at least one liquid impermeablelayer to prevent the transmission of bodily fluids to underlyingequipment. It may also be desirable to provide an absorbent layer toabsorb any bodily or other fluids landing on the disposable surface. Asabove, the disposable surface may include a means for securing thedisposable surface to a location or to underlying equipment, and themeans for securing may include any means known in the art for reversiblysecuring the disposable surface, such as hook-and-loop fasteners,straps, snaps, screws, indexing pins and indexing pin receptacles,magnets, etc.

In other embodiments, it may not be desirable to use disposable surfacessuch as those described above. In those embodiments, the various supportsurfaces may be permanent or semi-permanent surfaces, and may bemanufactured of any suitable long-lasting material, such as plastic.Examples of such materials include ABS plastic, HDPE, LDPE, UHMWPE, andpolypropylene.

Turning now to the support and movement system 708 of the chair cot 700,the support and movement system 708 of the illustrated embodiment isprovided with features that facilitate movement of the chair cot 700over level flat surfaces as well as over inclined surfaces, includingstairs and other stepped and irregular surfaces, regardless of whether apatient is seated in the chair cot 700 and regardless of the size of theperson seated in the chair cot 700. These features will be addressed inmore detail. In the illustrated embodiment, the support and movementsystem 708 includes dual tracks 748, a motor drive unit 750, casters752, and retractable rear wheels 754. As discussed above, in someembodiments, additional support structures (not shown) may be providedin addition to the foot rest 706. In some embodiments, the casters 752provide a convenient location for mounting the additional supportstructures to the support and movement system, as may be appreciated byreference to FIGS. 4 and 5. Although not specifically illustrated indetail in FIGS. 4-6, the dual tracks 748 may be ribbed tracks, asdiscussed further with reference to FIGS. 8A and 8B.

When the chair cot 700 is deployed and used on a relatively flat andlevel surface, the retractable rear wheels 754 may be deployed as seenin FIGS. 5 and 6. When the retractable rear wheels 754 are deployed, therear end of the chair cot 700 is raised somewhat, lifting the dualtracks 748 off of the surface so that the casters 752 engage thesurface. Thus, in such a configuration, the chair cot 700 may be readilypushed or pulled in a desired direction by an emergency worker, and theemergency worker can readily steer the chair cot 700 using the rotationof the casters 752. Although not specifically illustrated in theFigures, in one embodiment, the chair cot 700 may also be provided wherethe casters 752 are replaced with fixed directional wheels and theretractable rear wheels 754 may be replaced with retractable rearcasters. In such a manner, the chair cot may still be readily steered inuse.

The dual tracks 748 may be used on flat surfaces also, however. The useof the dual tracks 748 on flat surfaces may be desirable if the surfaceis uneven, or if the slope of the surface varies from flat to inclined.To use the dual tracks 748 instead of the retractable rear wheels 754and casters 752, the retractable rear wheels 754 are retracted to astowed position. The dual tracks 748 may be driven by the motor driveunit 750, which may include a high-efficiency motor and a power unitsuch as a battery. The dual tracks 748 and the motor drive unit 750 maybe controlled using the control system(s) (not shown) previouslydiscussed above, and may provide relatively fast translation acrossvaried surfaces.

The combination of the dual tracks 748, the casters 752, and theretractable rear wheels 754 provides for improved transport of patientsup and down inclined and varied surfaces such as stairs, as well asimproved transitioning from movement on a horizontal flat surface to astairway and vice-versa, as will now be described. When the chair cot700 is being used with the dual tracks 748 on a flat surface,transitioning to an inclined surface, such as a stairway, isstraightforward: the chair cot 700 simply continues onto the inclinedsurface or stairway. If necessary to engage the first step or two whenascending a stairway, the operator might lift the rear end of the chaircot 700 slightly to allow the dual tracks 748 to engage the first stepor two more readily. This engagement may be assisted by teeth or ribbingprovided on the dual tracks 748 as discussed with reference to FIGS.8A-8E. Additionally, as the chair cot 700 moves to or from an inclinedsurface, an operator may adjust the angle of the back support 702 and/orseat 704 as discussed previously for the comfort and safety of thepatient.

When the chair cot 700 has been or is desired to be used with thecasters 752 and the retractable rear wheels 754 on more-horizontalsurfaces, it is advantageous to transition to using the dual tracks 748for inclined surfaces such as stairways. This may be done by selectivelystowing and deploying the retractable rear wheels 754 at the beginningand ending of the stairway, respectively, as follows. In all instanceswhere a stairway is being ascended or descended, it may be desirable tolock the position of the casters 752 and to lock the rear wheels 754 ina stowed position to reduce the likelihood of accidents. Therefore, itis anticipated that the embodiments of the chair cot 700 are providedwith means for locking the position of the casters 752 and with meansfor locking the rear wheels 754 in a stowed position during ascent anddescent.

When a stairway is to be descended, the operator simply pushes the chaircot 700 to the edge of the stairway and then pushes the casters 752 ofthe chair cot 700 off the edge of the first step so that the dual tracks748 contact the edge of the first step. At this point, the retractablerear wheels 754 still contact the flat surface at the top of the stairs.The dual tracks 748 may then be activated so as to begin descending thestairs. As the descent begins, the operator may either slightly lift therear end of the chair cot 700 or may allow the weight of the chair cot700 to begin lifting the end of the chair cot 700 (as the center ofgravity of the chair cot 700 passes over the lip of the first stair),and may then use a foot lever (not shown) or other release mechanism toretract/stow the retractable rear wheels 754 out of the way of thestairs. In the illustrated embodiment, the retractable rear wheels 754retract/stow by rotating forward under the chair cot 700. If theoperator discovers that the chair cot 700 has descended too far to allowretraction/stowing of the retractable rear wheels 754, the operatormerely reverses the direction of travel of the chair cot 700 a slightamount until the retractable rear wheels 754 may be stowed.

At the bottom of the stairway, the casters 752 naturally andautomatically contact the horizontal surface first. The operator cancontinue using the dual tracks 748 all the way down the stairway (thustransitioning to use of the dual tracks 748 on the horizontal surfaceand discontinuing use of the casters 752), or the operator can lift therear end of the chair cot 700 slightly (and may optionally activate arear wheel release mechanism such as a foot petal or button) so as toallow the retractable rear wheels 754 to redeploy. In some embodiments,the retractable rear wheels 754 may be spring-loaded or otherwise biasedso as to be automatically redeployed when the operator lifts the rearend of the chair cot 700. In such embodiments, the retractable rearwheels 754 do not deploy while descending the staircase as there isinsufficient room on each step for the retractable rear wheels 754 todeploy. Instead, the retractable rear wheels 754 may move slightly fromtheir fully-stowed position but on encountering the next step willmerely roll over the step and will return to their fully-stowed positionas the retractable rear wheels 754 pass over the corner of each step. Insuch embodiments, a lock may be optionally provided to lock theretractable rear wheels 754 in their fully-stowed position whendesirable, such as where the pitch and spacing of the stairs wouldotherwise allow full deployment of the retractable rear wheels 754.

In other embodiments, a release or control such as a foot lever orbutton (not shown) may be used to redeploy the retractable rear wheels754 at the bottom of the stairway. Thus, regardless of the mechanism forstowing and redeploying the retractable rear wheels 754, the illustratedembodiment of the chair cot 700 allows for easy transition betweencontrolled, powered movement down a stairway and controlled operatorpushing/pulling of the chair cot on horizontal surfaces. Similartransitioning may be accomplished between travel on horizontal surfacesand controlled, powered movement up a stairway.

This may be accomplished by backing the chair cot up to the bottom ofthe stairs. At the bottom of the stairs, as may be appreciated byreference to FIG. 5, the retractable rear wheels 754 will contact theriser or tread of the first step of the stairway. At this point, theoperator may continue pulling on the chair cot 700 (and may slightlylift the rear end of the chair cot 700), causing the retractable rearwheels 754 to be forced by the first step into their stowed position,with the dual tracks 748 resting on the first or second step of thestairway. Alternatively, a release or control such as a foot lever (notshown may be used to stow the retractable rear wheels 754. In anotheralternative embodiment, the retractable rear wheels may be provided withan automatic release that strikes the riser or tread of the first stepand automatically releases/stows the retractable rear wheels 754 toallow the dual tracks 748 to engage the stairway. Regardless of themechanism of stowing the retractable rear wheels 754, once the dualtracks 748 engage the stairway, the motor drive unit 750 may be engagedto power the chair cot 700 up the stairs to the top of the stairs.

At the top of the stairs, the retractable rear wheels 754 may beredeployed manually or automatically, as discussed above for redeployingthe retractable rear wheels 754 at the bottom of a stairway whendescending the stairway. The dual tracks 748 may then continue to beused to finish climbing the stairs until the casters 752 are just overthe lip of the stair, and a slight pull on the handle 710 of the chaircot 700 will complete the transition back to non-powered rolling on thecasters 752 and retractable rear wheels 754 on the horizontal surface.Thus, one of skill in the art will readily appreciate that the chair cot700 provides for simple and easy transitioning to climbing a stairway upor down from a horizontal surface and vice-versa. With minimal practice,an operator can make these transitions seamlessly and quickly, allowingfor improved patient comfort as the patient is transported from amulti-story building in an emergency situation.

It is anticipated that the described embodiments of the support andmovement system 708 may be readily adapted to situations besides theemergency-use chair cot 700 described with reference to FIGS. 4-7. Whileit may be readily recognized that the chair cot 700 may be used for homehealth and as a multi-story evacuation device, such as for nursinghomes, the movement and support system 708 may be adapted for use instill other situations. For example, the support and movement system 708may be used as a base for a wheelchair. Additionally, the describedsupport and movement system 708 may be used as a home and gardentransport platform. It has been found that the support and movementsystem 708 can readily move a patient weighing more than 500 pounds (227kilograms) up or down numerous flights of stairs on a single charge. Asa home or garden transport platform, this means that a user could easilymove the same weight of materials in similar fashion with very littleeffort on the part of a user. This may be practical and advantageous,for example, for deliveries, construction materials, and/or personsmoving to/from an apartment in a multistory building. Thus, there aremany potential uses for the described support and movement system 708.

By way of example, the chair cot 700/support and movement system 708 maybe used to carry various types of equipment, as will be discussed withreference to FIGS. 9-14. These Figures illustrate perspective and sideviews of an embodiment of a chair cot 700, in which the disposable backsurface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742 have been removed andreplaced by an equipment carrier 780 affixed to the support and movementsystem 708. FIGS. 9-11 illustrate only the equipment carrier 780 as itis attached to the various frame elements such as the back frame 714 andseat frame 736, while FIGS. 12-14 illustrate the equipment carrier 780as it is attached to a fully-illustrated chair cot 700/support andmovement system 708 (numbered as chair cot 700).

The equipment carrier 780 may include a base 782, a back 784, a front786, and a pair of sides 788. In the illustrated embodiment, the back784 extends substantially the entire length of the back frame 714,although in other embodiments the height of the back 784 may besubstantially similar to the illustrated height of the front 786 and thesides 788. Similarly, although the illustrated embodiment shows the base782 of the equipment carrier 780 having a front-to-back length similarto the front-to-back length of the seat frame 736 (see especially FIG.11), one of skill in the art will appreciate that the length and widthof the base 782 may be varied as necessary depending on the weight andbulk of the anticipated carried item(s). By way of example only, forbulky and/or lighter items, the base 782 may extend substantially beyondthe seat frame 736. The base 782, back 784, front 786, and sides 788 mayinclude frames and a mesh, as illustrated, and the mesh size may bevaried depending on the equipment/other items being carried. In someembodiments, the base 782, back 784, front 786, and sides 788 mayinclude substantially continuous surfaces instead of a mesh. Therefore,the mesh format illustrated in FIGS. 9-14 is merely illustrative.

In embodiments of the invention, the back 784 may be attached to theback frame 714 by any method known in the art. Additionally, the base782 may be attached to the seat frame 736 by any method or means knownin the art. By way of example only, any means of attachment discussedabove with respect to the disposable back surface 740 and/or thedisposable seat surface 742 may be utilized. In this way, the chair cot700 may be readily converted to an equipment carrier by merely removingthe disposable back surface 740 and the disposable seat surface 742 andreplacing them with the various elements of the equipment carrier 780.The reverse conversion may also readily be made at any desired time.

In at least some embodiments, the back 784 is not directly connected tothe base 782. In this way, the back 784 and the base 782 may rotatefreely and independently of each other as the back frame 714 and seatframe 736 are moved in the manner discussed above between thefully-collapsed and the fully-expanded position. This may be usefulduring transport and may also be useful for storage, as the equipmentcarrier 780 need not be removed from the support and movement system 708for storage. The equipment carrier 780 may be provided with otherfeatures that may assist both in storage and in accessing the contentsof the equipment carrier. As an example, the sides 788 and/or the front786 may be hingedly or even removably attached to the base 782, asillustrated in FIGS. 9 and 14. The hinged/removable connection of thesides 788 and/or the front 786 may permit easy loading/unloading andaccess to the contents of the equipment carrier 780, and may alsofacilitate a minimal profile of the equipment carrier 780 when in thefully-collapsed position for storage.

In some instances, embodiments of the equipment carrier 780 may beutilized to carry medical equipment, either independently of anypatient, or in conjunction with transport of one or more patients.Therefore, some embodiments of the equipment carrier 780 may be modifiedfrom the forms illustrated in FIGS. 9-14 to specifically fit/holdmedical equipment, or may be adapted to include additional featuresspecifically designed to receive and hold specific medical equipment.For example, in one embodiment, the equipment carrier 780 may bemodified to securely hold one or more tanks such as oxygen tanks. Insuch embodiments, the base 782 or the back 784 may be modified tosecurely receive one or more oxygen tanks, such as by having a curved,form-fitting portion that receives the oxygen tank(s) and secures theoxygen tank(s) from unwanted rolling or other movement. In suchembodiments, one or more straps may be provided to secure placement ofthe oxygen tank(s). Other embodiments may be provided to specificallyfit other types of medical equipment, such as various monitors, infusionpumps, or any other type of equipment necessary for provision of medicalcare, including critical care equipment. Features for receiving andsecuring such equipment may include one or more foam inserts withcutouts specifically designed to receive certain types of equipment,strategically positioned straps or attachable equipment holders designedto receive certain types of equipment, and/or further compartmentalizedportions of the equipment carrier, such as provided by one or moredividers in the equipment carrier.

Embodiments of the equipment carrier 780 carrying such equipment may beutilized to assist in the transportation of patients needing higherlevels of support than has previously been readily and convenientlyavailable. For example, it is possible to utilize two chair cots 700,one outfitted for transportation of a patient (such as being outfittedwith the disposable back surface 740 and the disposable seat surface742) with the other outfitted for transportation of equipment (i.e.being outfitted with the equipment carrier 780). The chair cot 700outfitted for transportation of equipment may be specifically outfittedto transport the specific support equipment needed by the patient in theother chair cot. The two chair cots 700 may then be transportedtogether, either side-by-side where possible or one following the other,where necessary (such as in narrow halls or stairways), and themaintenance of care, even critical care support, may be continuouswithout interruption. In extreme situations, it may be possible toutilize two chair cots 700 as equipment transporters while one chair cot700 transports a patient.

In some embodiments, additional options may be provided for thetransportation of equipment with the chair cot 700, either inconfigurations for transportation of equipment or in configurations fortransportation of patients. As one example, a top may be provided to theequipment carrier 780 illustrated in FIGS. 9-14. As another example, asmay be appreciated from FIG. 4, there may be significant space betweenthe back support 702 and the dual tracks 748 when the chair cot 700 isin a partially- to fully-expanded position. In some embodiments thisspace may be utilized to store additional equipment, such as medicalsupport equipment, during transportation of a patient. In still otherembodiments, additional storage may be provided by attaching one or morestorage devices or pieces of equipment to the foot rest 706.

As discussed above, the dual tracks 748 may be ribbed to improvesecurity of the dual tracks 748 when ascending or descending irregularsurfaces such as stairs. One embodiment of the dual tracks 748 isillustrated in more detail in FIGS. 8A and 8B. FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate asection of a continuous track 756 used with each of the dual tracks 748.As may be seen by reference to FIG. 5, the continuous track 756 forms aloop around a drive gear 758 and pulley 760. The drive gear 758 isconnected to the motor drive unit 750 and provides power to thecontinuous track 756. Along the remainder of its length, the continuoustrack 756 may ride along a low-friction slider 762 that may bemanufactured of a plastic such as UHMW polyethylene, HDPE, or LDPE. Useof the low-friction slider 762 has been found to improve efficiency ofthe support and movement system 708, allowing the support and movementsystem 708 to lift approximately 60% more weight up inclined surfacessuch as stairways.

Returning now to FIG. 8A, the Figure shows a plan view of a smallsection of the continuous track 756, showing one embodiment of therepeating profile of the continuous track 756. The illustrated sectionshown is from the bottom, surface-contacting portion of the continuoustrack 756, so the surface of the continuous track 756 that contacts thestairway or ground is downward in FIG. 8A. The continuous track 756shown has three layers: a tread layer 764, a fiber layer 766, and adrive layer 768. As shown in FIG. 8A, the tread layer 764 and the drivelayer 768 have teeth or ribs 770 and teeth or ribs 772, respectively.The teeth or ribs 770 of the tread layer 764 engage stairs or otherirregular surfaces being ascended or descended for security. The teethor ribs 770 may have a flattened top 774 to reduce wear by preventing asharp-peaked top from being irregularly torn during use. The teeth orribs 772 of the drive layer 768 engage the drive gear 758 to transferpower from the motor drive unit 750 to the continuous track 756. Theteeth or ribs 772 may also engage a channel or guide in the drive gear758, pulley 760, and/or slider 762 to keep the continuous track 756properly aligned during use, as may be appreciated by reference to FIGS.8B and 8C, that show an embodiment of a channel 776 in the continuoustrack 756.

The tread layer 764 and the drive layer 768 may be manufactured frommaterials such as neoprene, urethane, rubber, and the like. In someembodiments, the tread layer 764 may have a durometer of betweenapproximately 60A and 70A and in some embodiments a durometer ofapproximately 70A to provide softness and improved wear of thecontinuous track 756. This hardness of the tread layer 764 has proved tohave an extremely long life during use and has proved useful forascending or descending a large variety of stairway configurations. Thedrive layer 768 may have a higher durometer of between 80A and 55D orbetween 85A to 95A, and in some embodiments a durometer of approximately90A to maintain flexibility but provide tooth strength for interactionwith the drive gear 758.

The fiber layer 766 provides strength to the continuous track 756 andprevents undue expansion or stretching of the continuous track 756 whenloaded. The fiber layer 766 may include high-strength durable fiberssuch as steel fibers, polyesters, fiberglass, or long molecular chainsof poly-paraphenylene terephthalamide produced from a condensationreaction between monomers of 1,4-phenylene-diamine(para-phenylenediamine) and terephthaloyl chloride, and commonly sold byE. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company as KEVLAR®. The fiber layer 722provides tensile strength to the continuous track 756 so that thecontinuous track 756 can withstand large tensile loads as the chair cot700 is used to ascend or descend stairways. By way of example, and notlimitation, the illustrated embodiment of the continuous track 756 canwithstand between 100 and 2,000 inch/lbs of torque.

By way of example and not limitation, one embodiment of the continuoustrack 756 will be illustrated with reference to FIG. 8E in specificdetail. It is anticipated that one or more of the measurements discussedherein may be modified and still fall within the scope of the presentinvention. In the illustrated embodiment, the continuous track 756 mayhave a height of approximately 0.95-1.16 inches (24.1-29.5 mm) orbetween 1.05-1.06 inches (26.7-26.9 mm), as measured from the tip (i.e.the flattened top 774) of teeth or ribs 770 to the tip of teeth or ribs772. This height may be varied for reasons of weight or strength of thecontinuous track 756. The teeth or ribs 772 may have a tooth-to-toothspacing of approximately 0.28-0.35 (7.1-8.9 mm) or 0.31-0.32 inches(7.9-8.1 mm) or of approximately 0.315 inches (8 mm), and with such aspacing, the drive gear 758 and pulley 760 may have a diameter ofapproximately 4 inches (100 mm). As may be appreciated by one of skillin the art, varying the size and spacing of the teeth or ribs 772 maypermit or require varying the size of the drive gear 758 and pulley 760accordingly.

The teeth or ribs 770 may have a tooth-to-tooth spacing of approximately1.51-1.84 inches (38.4-46.7 mm) or of 1.67-1.68 inches (42.4-42.7 mm),or of approximately 1.675 inches (42.5 mm). The height of the teeth orribs 770 from a valley 778 to the flat top 774 may be approximately0.54-0.66 inches (13.7-16.8 mm) or approximately 0.59-0.61 inches(15.0-15.5 mm) or approximately 0.6 inches (15.2 mm). Thesetooth-to-tooth spacings and teeth heights have been found to functionwell at securely climbing and/or descending a wide variety of stairwayconfigurations, rises, runs, and step spacings. The valley 778 of theteeth or ribs 770 may be provided with a curve, and the radius ofcurvature of the valley 778 may be approximately 0.22-0.28 inches(5.6-7.1 mm) or approximately 0.25 inches (6.4 mm). As indicatedpreviously, the teeth or ribs 770 may be provided with the flattened top774 to reduce wear, and the flattened top 774 may have a width ofapproximately 0.17-0.21 inches (4.3-5.3 mm) or approximately 0.19 inches(4.8 mm).

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims, rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A chair cot configured for use with an emergency vehicle, comprising:at least two removable platforms for supporting a patient in a seatedposition during transportation; a removable equipment carrier configuredto replace the removable platforms for using the chair cot to transportequipment instead of the patient; a support system reversiblyconnectable to the at least two platforms and to the removable equipmentcarrier, the support system being configured to support the at least twoplatforms and alternatively the removable equipment carrier duringtransportation; and wherein the support system is configured tosubstantially collapse; a movement system coupled to the support systemthat is configured to allow the chair cot to move over a surface,wherein the movement system includes a motor; and a control systemcoupled to the movement system that allows one or more individuals tocontrol the operation of the movement system.
 2. The chair cot of claim1, wherein the support system comprises a back frame and a seat frame,and wherein the equipment carrier comprises: a base reversiblyattachable to the seat frame; and a back reversibly attachable to theback frame.
 3. The chair cot of claim 2, wherein the base of theequipment carrier is not directly connected to the back of the equipmentcarrier.
 4. The chair cot of claim 2, wherein the equipment carrierfurther comprises: a front attached to the base; and a pair of sidesattached to the base, wherein the base, front, sides, and back of theequipment carrier encompass a space in which to secure equipment fortransport.
 5. The chair cot of claim 4, wherein the equipment carriercomprises features specifically designed to receive, secure, andtransport a specific type of medical equipment.
 6. The chair cot ofclaim 2, wherein at least one of the back of the equipment carrier andthe base of the equipment carrier is configured to receive and secure apiece of medical equipment.
 7. The chair cot of claim 6, wherein thepiece of medical equipment received and secured is an oxygen tank.
 8. Achair cot configured for use with an emergency vehicle and furtherconfigured for selective transitioning between powered use on stairs andnon-powered rolling on flat surfaces, comprising: an adjustable backsupport for supporting a patient in a seated position duringtransportation; an adjustable seat for supporting a patient in a seatedposition during transportation; a support system coupled to the backsupport and the seat and configured to support the back support and theseat during transportation, wherein the support system is configured tosubstantially collapse when positioned within the emergency vehicle; amovement system coupled to the support system that is configured toallow the chair cot to move over a surface; a control system coupled tothe movement system that allows one or more individuals to control theoperation of the movement system; and an equipment carrier reversiblyattached to the adjustable back support and the adjustable seat fortransporting equipment instead of patients.
 9. The chair cot of claim 8,wherein the equipment carrier comprises: a base reversibly attachable tothe seat; and a back reversibly attachable to the back support.
 10. Thechair cot of claim 9, wherein the base of the equipment carrier is notdirectly connected to the back of the equipment carrier.
 11. The chaircot of claim 9, wherein the equipment carrier further comprises: a frontattached to the base; and a pair of sides attached to the base, whereinthe base, front, sides, and back of the equipment carrier encompass aspace in which to secure equipment for transport.
 12. The chair cot ofclaim 11, wherein the equipment carrier comprises features specificallydesigned to receive, secure, and transport a specific type of medicalequipment.
 13. The chair cot of claim 9, wherein at least one of theback of the equipment carrier and the base of the equipment carrier isconfigured to receive and secure a piece of medical equipment.
 14. Thechair cot of claim 13, wherein the piece of medical equipment receivedand secured is an oxygen tank.
 15. An equipment carrier for reversibleattachment to an adjustable chair cot, comprising: a base configured tobe reversibly attached to a seat portion of a chair cot; and a backconfigured to be reversibly attached to a back portion of the chair cotwithout being directly connected to the base, whereby the back portionof the chair cot may be freely adjusted relative to the seat portion ofthe chair cot without interference between the base of the equipmentcarrier and the back of the equipment carrier.
 16. The equipment carrierof claim 15, further comprising: a front attached to the base; and apair of sides attached to the base, wherein the base, front, sides, andback of the equipment carrier encompass a space in which to secureequipment for transport.
 17. The equipment carrier of claim 16, whereinthe front and sides are hingedly attached to the base.
 18. The equipmentcarrier of claim 15, further comprising features specifically designedto receive, secure, and transport a specific type of medical equipment.19. The equipment carrier of claim 15, wherein at least one of the backof the equipment carrier and the base of the equipment carrier isconfigured to receive and secure a piece of medical equipment.
 20. Theequipment carrier of claim 19, wherein the piece of medical equipmentreceived and secured is an oxygen tank.